The brand new, oh-so-amazing Round Covered Baker from Pampered Chef that I just received! (So excited to make soup in this bad boy!)
AND
This video.
Okay, so these two things bring lots of laughter, happiness, warmth, and smiles into my life. I mean, what is better than sitting inside on a cold wintry night with a nice bowl of warm soup, snuggled up in your blanket, watching Christmas movies? Or listening to Christmas music and enjoying the silent lights of the Christmas tree?
This season is all about comfort and joy, but in a different way. Last night I participated in a Messiah sing-a-long on BYU Campus. It was lots of fun and my roommates and I definitely have some good memories from it. But that words and message behind the Messiah are so powerful that I couldn't help but marvel at what we celebrate during this Christmas season. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas day and He can bring us more comfort and joy than we could ever imagine. We can be instruments in his hands to bring to pass his glorious and eternal purposes. There are so many people we can touch, so many lives that we can change by just having a Christmas spirit all year round and sharing the joy of Christ with them. Christ was born to die so that we may live again. That statement alone should bring us exuberant and overwhelming joy! Joy to the world because the Lord came and died for us! In accomplishing this task, he suffered every pain and hurt imaginable. He was human, just like us. He knows how we feel and because he knows how we personally feel, he can comfort us better than any other being on this Earth. He knows how it feels to be betrayed. He knows how it feels to be completely alone. He knows how it feels to lose loved ones and family members. He knows how it feels to not be trusted. And because He loves us, He knows how it feels to watch those we love suffer. He knows. How cool is that?! How I wish that everyone could hear this message, feel God's love, and know that He really is there! It brings such joy to my life to know that I can feel His spirit with me all day, every day.
I testify that He lives, that He loves us, and that He will comfort us. Like a friend with open arms, He waits and beckons "Come, follow me." Let nothing you dismay during this holiday season or anytime throughout the year because Christ is always there for you. And that's really comforting. :]
I think this song is funny, but emphasizes two main points. One- Christmas has really become more about the money to be made and commercialism. Two- It's starting sooner every year. (But mostly it's just funny)
I'm one of those people who hates when I see Christmas paraphernalia out before Thanksgiving. Not because I'm a Scrooge, but because it's never the right Christmas stuff. I would love it if nativity scenes were sold all year-round at major retailers. As a collector of nativities, trust me- they are not easily found in shopping centers year-round. I feel like I always see stockings and Santa and garlands and Christmas trees out long before any nativities. I know lots of people have said it, but I'll say it again because Christmas has become so commercialized. We need to remember the CHRIST in CHRISTmas.
If it weren't for Christ, our lives would be entirely different. He created this Earth, the beautiful landscapes and animals which we pay money to see (Been to the zoo lately? Or a national park?). He presented the plan of happiness which allows us to potentially return to live with Him someday, and He is also the main part of that plan- He died to satisfy justice and allow God to exercise mercy. How can we only remember Him once a year??
Growing up, I remember my sweet mother leaving the Holy Family part of her ceramic nativity on the mantel all year. It never came down. Baby Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and Joseph were always there right next to the clocks and pictures. One year, I asked her why. No one else had their nativities up and they were a Christmas thing, weren't they? She taught me that it's because we remember the Savior all year. He is not just the reason for the season- He's the reason for everything. Why can't we remember to honor Him more than just one month out of the year?
I have a wooden decorative piece that I put up just recently and it says "The magic of Christmas is not in the presents but in His presence." His presence can be with us all year round. He doesn't leave us on our own for eleven months out of the year and come around for December to celebrate. He does not leave us comfortless. He is with us always. He loves us and remembers us all year round. We should do the same for Him.
This song has been stuck in my head since like ... Thursday. And I've thought a lot about it and I want to share it with you, dear readers. This song is called Brave, originally sung by Sara Bareilles. This cover is by BYU Vocal Point.
When this song first started making it's rounds through my brain, I thought that I've never really had to be brave and bravery is just another word used to describe awesome people who do amazing things that could very easily backfire or not turn out so well. The image that I usually think of is either a firemen diving into a blazing building to save the old woman trapped on the second floor or the soldier leaping from the fox hole with the image of his family burning in his mind.
But then I started thinking about the fact that it was Thanksgiving and I should be grateful for other's bravery. And then I started coming up with all these wonderful examples of bravery that have allowed me to be where I am today.
In Search of Freedom
The pilgrims, obviously, are something we associate with Thanksgiving. They wanted more than what England was offering them. They acted on bravery to cross the Atlantic and settle the new world. Many of them lost loved ones and many of them passed away. But all of them were brave enough to leave what was familiar in favor of the unknown for the sake of a new world.
For King and Country
I've already mentioned the image of the soldier going to battle, but I truly am grateful for all of those brave men and women who serve their country. Whether they're from the same country as me or not, to put the place you live before your own life is such a courageous act that it deserves to be mentioned twice. In the future, there will come a day when we no longer need to defend ourselves from outsiders, but until that day comes, I'm grateful that we have valiant people who are there to answer the call to arms.
To Be the Example
It's so easy to just do what everyone else is doing, and so hard sometimes to do what you know to be right. Goodness knows that there are countless examples out there of people who I am and am not familiar with who stand up for what they know to be right in the face of friends. It reminds me of Neville from Harry Potter. It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but even more to stand up to your friends.
For the Sake of Others
My mother's family is from Denmark. One of my ancestors (an umpteenth-great grandmother) showed her bravery when she joined the LDS church and then journeyed to America to meet the Saints. Her father disowned her and told her never to return after she was baptized. She can't have known then how much her actions have affected my entire family. She knew that the church was true and she knew what she needed to do because of it. The threats of others didn't stop her from doing what she knew she needed to do and because of her, thousands have been blessed- all of her posterity and all they come in contact with have the opportunity to feel the joy that comes from the gospel of Christ. For the Lack of Wisdom
Joseph Smith, a young boy of 14, desperately wanted to know which of all the religions of the day was right. He was directed by James that if he lacked wisdom, he should ask of God and God would answer him. He awoke one spring morning and bravely knelt in a clearing and asked the question he was seeking an answer to. Boy did he receive an answer (click here). After receiving that answer, he maintained that what had happened was true and he bravely refused to deny it throughout his life. He brought forth The Book of Mormon. He reestablished the Lord's church on the Earth as it was in the days of Christ. Through him the ordinances of the gospel were restored. He led the Saints from place to place, from persecution to persecution, while still never denying the Lord and His purposes. And in the final days of his life, he was led to the place where he knew he would die, and with his brother he was martyred all for the sake of the gospel. If that's not brave, then I don't know what is.
Bravery plays a very important part in shaping not only the world but also our daily lives. Think about all the people from your family history. If just one of them had decided to not do something instead of actually doing it or vice versa, how different would your life be today? If instead of being brave they simply went with the flow and did nothing, how would your life be changed?
Everyone is brave. For the soldier, brave is getting in that truck, or on that plane, or boat. For the mother, brave is sticking with it on those hard days. For the depressed soul, brave is getting out of bed and choosing to live another day. For the lonely college student, brave is saying hi and speaking up. For the small child, brave is saying goodbye for a few hours to go to kindergarten. For the proud sibling, brave is saying you're sorry. For the humble servant of the Lord, brave is saying yes no matter what He asks of you.
Everyone is brave. Everyone has challenges they face, mountains they have to climb. Brave is climbing those mountains.
That warm and toasty feeling you get when you drink hot chocolate while it's snowing outside. Oh yeah. That hits the spot.
Missionaries! And the snail mail system of paper and envelopes!
Peach candles
Need I say more? This stuff is GOLD.
My number one missionary :] and the letters he writes back to me!
ALL of these kiddos:
They light up my life!
And I just LOVE this picture.
Flowers. So pretty. And just nature in general. I feel like all of the many wonderful creations on this Earth just prove that there is a God and He can do marvelous things. I mean, have you SEEN the mountains??? And sunsets?? They're absolutely gorgeous! And I know, it's because of science and reactions and stuff. But who do you think made it all so that it would work out so beautifully? I know it was Christ and Heavenly Father. I don't know if they made the rules or if they knew the rules and then used those rules to create the beautiful world which we live on, but I do know that either way, it's because of them. Just some food for thought.
And now, the beginning of thankful posts. In order to avoid blowing up my blog, I shall post once per week. We're going to start a thankful tree in our apartment, so hopefully I'll get some pictures (my picture-taking device shattered into almost a million pieces, so these posts might actually be a little bare ... )
Day 1: (Friday, I woke up at 6:00am)
I am thankful for doctors and the fact that they are willing to go through a million years of medical school to help other people and keep us all healthy. Plus, they deal with gross stuff like blood and I'm pretty sure I could never in a bajillion light years do that.
Day 2: (Saturday, I attended two recitals)
I am thankful for the ability to hear and enjoy music made by others and that I have such talented friends who are willing and brave enough to share their talents with others. Nathan and Lyz, you guys both did a fantastic job! (And Camille- great accompanying!)
Day 3: (Sunday, fast Sunday which despite the name, actually goes by really slow)
I am thankful for Christ and the faith which I have in him. He has done so much for me already and I will never be able to repay Him. And the most amazing part is that He will continue to do things for me and help me despite my inability to repay Him.
We dressed up Chick-fil-A like the magical land of Oz! It was so great!! We had lots of different costumes from munchkins to the great wizard himself!!
The student managers chose Disney villains as our theme. I dressed up as the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland! We also had Yzma, Hades, and the Evil Queen.
Sometimes it's really hard to just go on pure faith, but sometimes, it's all we can do. We exercise our faith and put our trust in God that He will take care of us, and that everything will work out for the best. We don't know how, and we can't seem to figure it out. But God does know. He knows exactly how everything will work out and stands there, with his arms outstretched, asking us to trust him. "Come, follow me." If we do what He asks, He will bless us and He will not let us fail.
This past week, I acted on a prompting to do something that I wasn't sure I could do. I didn't see how it would work out, how everything would be okay. But if there's one thing I've learned from the past three years, it's to trust in God. I took His advice and hoped everything would work out. Everything hasn't worked out yet, but I'm beginning to see those "better days ahead."
So when you're feeling down, stand a little taller, walk a little higher, and smile a little brighter. Someone's watching out for you in ways you aren't even aware of. Sometimes, he let's it rain. But after every rainstorm comes a beautiful rainbow. It might be big, or it might be small, or it may even be hard to see until long after we think the storm is over, but we have been promised that it will come.
Here's to the rain storms; here's to the leap of faith; here's to the days when your trust in God is all you have to go on; and here's to the blessings and promises that will come because of those days.
Gorgeous picture taken from http://www.listentech.com/media/Main_lds_conference_center.jpg
Wasn't Conference so AWESOME?! I love the spiritual outpouring that we get to experience for the ENTIRE weekend twice a year during General Conference. It really refreshes us and refocuses us on what we need to do. So, here are some themes and highlights that I picked up on:
1) Share the gospel!
There was a lot of focus on this topic during the Saturday sessions. President Monson began conference by telling us that now is the time for members and missionaries to work together! I especially appreciated Elder Ballard's talk which addressed several of my own concerns with sharing the gospel. It's natural to be apprehensive. Pray for opportunities and don't be afraid of what you'll have to do. Elder Nielsen of the 70 shared a lot of animation and enthusiasm about missionary work and sharing the gospel. We should all be just as excited as he was!
2) Endure to the end!
There was a huge emphasis on this during the Sunday sessions. Elder Scott talked about losing ourselves in service to others to help us endure and hold fast to the rod, like Elder Hamilton of the 70 reminded us. President Monson reminded us that we truly need him every hour, whether rain or shine. Elder Eyring mentioned that this life is to polish us to return to the presence of God.
3) The Law of Chastity
I really loved the laying down of the law by Elder Oaks on what exactly is allowed and that nothing else is appropriate. Loved it. SO much. And Elder Nelson continued that theme, but with a different approach. Both were extremely wonderful and extremely insightful. If you have questions regarding what Mormons believe about marriage, homosexuality, and chastity. Read/watch them. They both hit it right on the head.
4) The Priesthood
If you know anything about what's happening in the church right now, then hopefully you loved Elder Andersen's talk as much as I did. I was reminded of a lesson in one of my religion classes when my teacher (Anthony Sweat, if you're interested) taught us about the difference between Priesthood Power and Priesthood Offices. We all have access to the power of the priesthood, simply by keeping his commandments and honoring our covenants.
I encourage everyone, LDS or not, to watch conference and learn what our modern day prophets and apostles have said and warned us against. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true. I know that President Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God and and he and the apostles speak with authority and revelation from God. I know where I want to go and what I need to do to get there. Do you?
Last night, my roommate and I went to one of our favorite restaurants where the service is always great and the food is always delicious! But last night- the experience was different. It wasn't great- the service last night was spectacular! Recently, my roommate has had to change to gluten-free eating. Fortunately, this restaurant offers a gluten-free menu. Usually, we also have to ask for gluten free dressing when the server brings out the food, but last night, the server brought it out immediately after we ordered without any prompting from us. I drink a lot of water and most servers have trouble keeping up with how fast I drink. But the superstar assigned to our table last night was on top of things and my glass was only empty once. (And even then, he was there less then thirty seconds later filling it up.) We didn't have to sit around awkwardly to wait for him and he kept us updated on our orders. When the kitchen forgot to bring out part of our order, not only did he immediately bring the forgotten item out, he brought extra- and a lot of it! We left that night feeling very full, and very satisfied. Our server was observant, and made both of us feel like we were important.
What is this wonderful restaurant with the superhero server?
If you live near me, then you know there's not much competition for chinese cuisine. There's pretty much Panda Express and PF Changs. And the quality of Panda doesn't come anywhere close to that of PF Changs (they really shouldn't even be grouped together), so it's not like they have to win us from other chinese restaurants. But every time we go, we are surprised by some kind act from our server. And that to me, says they really care about their guests and customer service. And that's the kind of restaurant that earns the customers it has. As long as they keep this kind of service mentality, they will forever have my business.
I remember when my other siblings were trying to get jobs. And I remember the times they specifically refused to even apply for a job in "fast food". I know of others whom I am not related to that look down on those with jobs in fast food. I am here today to stand up for the fast food jobs a.k.a quick service jobs and say that I love my job. True, it's not glamorous; it's usually very messy; it's not the best pay in the world; it's not easy. But it's totally worth it to put a smile on someone's face :]
I get to serve people directly and indirectly, every day! And I get paid to do it! I get to make every person who I see smile! I get to work with amazing, honest people! And the best part about my job is that it's through BYU! My job works with my class schedule and I'm surrounded by people who are just like me! They're poor college students just trying to be able to pay the rent on time and pass their classes, and they all believe the same things that I believe!
I've worked in the Cougareat for three years now. My supervisors are all great! My co-workers are super fun, and I love all my employees!! We opened a brand new store on campus this week (Eat Mor Chikin!) and everyone made it amazing! I'm proud to be working at our new store, I'm proud that I am part of the Cougareat, and I'm super proud to have a "fast food" job :]
I received this book for Christmas and had no time to read it until I suddenly had a full day of traveling to the east coast and another full day of traveling back (pics to come ...). It is simply wonderful. It's a rather simple read and not what I would usually spend precious reading time on, but I read it out of obligation and I'm glad I did. If you ever wanted to know about the journey involved with change, this is an excellent book. Changing is not easy. It's never been that way, and it never will be. It takes work, and it takes effort. Change is something none of us looks forward to, but each of us has to experience. We must go through the Lord's refining fires to change us from the natural man. Every day can be a struggle and require so much willpower and force that we shudder to think of the great effort we could possibly put forth. But the fruits of those efforts are sweeter than the icing on the cake.
I recently related to a friend the old adage that had helped me through so much of my sophomore year: "God won't give you anything you can't handle." It set off an unpleasant moment and made me feel quite upset. I've thought about that saying since then and the changes that it had helped me to go through. I knew that those changes had strongly tested my own abilities and boundaries. It didn't seem right that God would give me more than I could handle. After all, I ended my sophomore year on a good note and I've handled everything else that I've been called to endure. Wasn't I stronger than I had originally thought? Just yesterday, I found this.
Oh, boy. What a wake up call. Christ, through his atonement, gives us the extra power and strength that we need to endure this crazy thing called life. Yes, friend, you were right. God sometimes gives us more than we can handle. But He's there to help us every step of the way. I didn't do it all and I have never completely handled anything given to me without his help. No matter the trial, no matter the test, no matter the struggle, no matter the willpower and force, God has helped me to handle what He's given me. And it's made me realize my reliance on him more than ever. And perhaps, in a way, that has made me stronger. But the real glory and wonder of making it, of handling life, goes to Christ and His atonement.
Update on weightloss: 13.6 pounds!!! :D My clothes already feel so much better- it's amazing!
In other news, have you ever not really been sure what's going on or why things are happening, but you like it anyway and you're completely okay with wherever things go?
I recommitted myself to Thrive about two weeks ago and my journey began on Sunday May 5th. I weighed myself yesterday to see how I'd done for my first week. I lost 6.8 pounds!!! Word to yo' motha, fool!!
Thrive is a nutrition program designed to help people attain many different goals, the main one being weight loss. My mother joined Thrive back in winter of 2009 (right before my senior year of high school) after my grandfather died. I did it along with her and my father and I lost 75 pounds in six months. Just with eating the right foods. To date, my mother and father combined have lost ... a lot ... I always remember my father being a big guy. Like 300 pounds big. Now, he's lost more than 100 pounds and looks very different from the man I remember raising me. My mother has also lost a lot of weight and is now an instructor for the program that saved her life and my father's. Almost all the weight that I lost in high school has somehow found it's way back on to my hips. I say no more. That life style ended two weeks ago when I decided to start Thriving again. Thrive is a very simple, very doable program. I work two jobs with at least 20 hours a week at each one. I am the Relief Society President in my ward with lots of responsibilities and duties during the week. I also try to have a social life and go out with my friends. With Thrive, I am able to stick to the program and still maintain all the daily activities of my life. It's about finding a solution to fit your needs. No exercise required. I did go to the gym in years past without Thrive (and didn't lose the weight nearly as fast), but with a busy schedule and no vehicle, it's not really possible for me to go regularly. And with Thrive, you don't get a long list of foods you can't eat- you can eat almost anything! It's a matter of what you eat it with, how much you eat of it, and when you eat it. You can have your steak, just eat broccoli with it! You can have your baked potato, just eat it with chicken and green beans! It's simple, easy, and provides results.
Why am I doing Thrive? The most important part of Thrive is what's called "your why." I'm going to share part of my why with you today. It's very personal to me, but it provides me with the motivation to keep going and to do what I need to do. While I have always dreamed of going to BYU and getting my degree here, a part of me did come hoping to find the right person to marry. There's no use denying it- I wanted that MRS degree. I was sitting on the couch on day probably reading or pondering the meaning of life (I don't remember) when I realized how uncomfortable I was with my body. I didn't like to look in mirrors, I hated having to buy new clothes, I wasn't happy with me. If you've ever been in a situation like that before, then you know exactly what it's like. Everything is painful. When I realized how uncomfortable I was with my body, a question came to my mind. How could I expect someone else to be comfortable about my body when I hated it? More specifically, how could I expect my future spouse, whoever he may be, to love me if I didn't love me? I've dreamed of meeting him many a time and wondered what he will be like. I know that he will be wonderful and the best thing that will ever happen to me. Doesn't he deserve a wife who loves herself and her body? I certainly think he does. I think he deserves the best. I want to make myself look the best so that I can be worthy of any young man. That's my why. My eternal companion is the number one reason why I'm Thriving today.
If you want to learn more about Thrive, go to www.thriveweightloss.com or click here.
I like to keep parts of my personal life private and separate from everything else. So I usually don't share big events like this with people outside of my family (who already know what's going on anyway) but I know that there is power in prayer and power in numbers, so bear with me.
Just in case anyone does read my blog, I would like to take a moment to ask for your prayers for my uncle Jody. He has been through a very long struggle with cancer and brain tumors and it looks like it is all finally coming to an end very soon. I know I'll be okay so don't waste time on me, but I'm also concerned for my cousin who is serving a mission. Some of you met Javan while he was here in Provo and he is now serving his mission in Arizona. (Yay!) As much as I love Javan and as much as I love Jody, I know that he needs to be right where he is, serving the Lord. Please include him and my uncle in your prayers. It would be greatly appreciated!
Plus you'll be helping people and that make's everyone feel good with lots of warm fuzzies :]
I haven't blogged in a while so here's what's been going on:
- Adam and I won the indexing competition in our ward!! So we got Tucanos!!
- Our bishopric is pretty great and we get to meet in a REAL chapel!! Not a classroom!
- I burned myself at work (see FB for pics). It hurt.
- I bought a TON of chick flicks for $5 at Wal Mart and am ready for some really awesome girl's nights with my roomies!!
- I got to go to Tucanos with Adam for FREE!!
- Brit moved out and my new roommate, Tiffany, moved in. No Asian roommates this year!
- I'm working like 50 hours a week between my two jobs.
- I got an Abba CD for $10 with all the songs from MamaMia on it!!!
- Did I mention FREE Tucanos???
- I'm Thriving again!
- My bridesmaid dress came for Meg's wedding- it's super pretty!!
- It's a beautiful day!!!
All the flowers on campus are just beautiful. I love them!
We went to a multi-stake conference tonight for redistricting and changes in leadership. Our ward became the 126th ward in the 9th stake. And our bishopric was released. I'm really going to miss them! It's been a pleasure serving with such inspired and blessed men.
Apparently it's Sibling's Day, so today's post is about my wonderful siblings.
Big Bro
Jorel is my older brother. My fondest memory of my older brother is waiting for him to come home after school. I remember hearing the big yellow bus turn the corner and knowing that my favorite playmate would soon return to assist me in mischief making. I was proudest of my older brother when he left to serve an LDS mission in Las Vegas, Nevada. This picture was from his first Christmas back home.
Aaron is my little brother. When we were really little, people used to mistake us for twins until my Uncle decided to cut my brother's blonde curls so he looked more like a little boy than a little girl. He was my date to Senior Prom and I'm super excited for him to submit his mission papers soon! This picture is from his high school graduation celebration for which I made him a cookie cake to match his nickname.
Lil Sister 1
Miranda is one of my little sisters and she just does so many amazing things. She just finished her first novel, something I started to do many times, but never finished. She's a beautiful young lady and I wish every one could be know her and be her best friend! We have tons of fun whenever we get together, usually with water guns, like in this picture.
Lil Emily (Sister 2)
Emily is my youngest sister and the baby of the family, so naturally she's been spoiled by all of us her whole life. She's really smart and likes to try new things like playing the Cello. She's a happy little ray of sunshine and enjoys reading and telling jokes. And she has a beautiful smile, as you can see.
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